Question #4 Is apologetics Biblical?

Question: Isn’t the bible against arguing and philosophy (therefore against apologetics)?

Response:

Unfortunately, this is a common misconception about apologetics. Often times I cringe when I am introduced as “the guy who debates atheist” because that is seriously only a very small part of what apologetics is. Most of what I do is study, research, teach, equip, write, answer questions, help build the faith of individuals, counsel, explain theological and philosophical principles, train in spiritual formation and so much more. In other words, apologetics isn’t merely debating with an unbeliever on a public stage. Again, that is a very small part of what I do. And sure, we should certainly avoid the kind of foolish arguing that the bible mentions in Titus 3:9, “But avoid stupid and foolish controversies and genealogies and dissensions and wrangling about the Law, for they are unprofitable and futile.” And 2 Timothy 2:23 “But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife.” In this context, the bible is alluding to foolish and ignorant disputes. As I addressed n last weeks question, the bible is telling us to avoid pointless arguments.

Allow me to first to clarify that in philosophy, when we say the word “argument”, we do NOT mean having an altercation with people. The most often verse cited for apologetics is 1 Peter 3:15, which mandates us to give a logical defense as to why we believe what we do, but to do so with kindness and respect. And as philosopher and theologian, William Lane Craig puts it, “We can give arguments with out being argumentative, and we can give a defense with out being defensive.”

So clearly, debates on God’s existence are by no means a trivial thing. I can not tell you how vital it is for someone to come to the knowledge of God and the weight that it carries. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 clearly tells us to destroy strong holds and further goes on to define a strong holds as ideas, thoughts, and arguments that go AGAINST the knowledge of God. So here, the bible is literally telling us that spiritual warfare also encompasses argumentation, and our job is to refute and rebut these argument and speculations that go against the knowledge of who God is (strong holds). This is vital.

And if that wasn’t enough lets look at a dialogue Jesus had with the Sadducees in Matthew 22:23-33. In a nut shell, the Sadducees did not believe in angels, spirits, the after life and such . So wanting to trap Jesus in a dilemma, they give Him the following scenario: A woman has a husband and he dies. And this happens about 7 times. So in the after life, will she be the first guys husband (which would mean she committed adultery with the other 6) or the all 7 of them (in which case be committing polygamy)? In other words, they were implicitly accusing Jesus of comitting the logical fallacy of reduction ad absurdum, which is the attempt to show that a persons view leads to an absurdity and is therefore false.

Then Jesus, of course, responds brilliantly. Lets break down the situation and response. He basically tells them, “look guys, have you not read the scriptures?” (Which was insulting seeing how Sadducees prided themselves on knowing scripture). Then He goes on to explain the following (paraphrased of course). He says, “it’s a false dichotomy (this or that game) because you have a false presupposition (an assumption behind your question). The false presupposition is that there is marriage in heaven, which there isn’t. So you’ve given me a false set of choices that both lead what you assume to be true (kind of like asking have you stopped beating your wife. To which any response would presuppose you’ve been committing domestic violence). So he points out their false dichotomy that was based on their fallacious presupposition and then concludes by saying, “ oh and by the way, don’t you know the verse that says that God is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob? And if He is still their God and we know that God is the God of the living and not dead then would that not imply that they are still living and have not ceased to exist and therefore logically deduces that there is an afterlife?” BRILLIANT! Who ever would have thought that Jesus actually knew what He was talking about and knew how to debate intellectually. Sarcasm of course.

So clearly we have seen that argumentation (in a civilized and respectful way) is both biblical and something practiced by Christ Himself.

-Eric Hernandez

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One thought on “Question #4 Is apologetics Biblical?”

No debate, on whether there is a debate or not, I’m not falling for that one! lol Anyway, love the topic, & appreciate the reply/comment option, great. Who will receive this & or respond? Since this is question #4, I want to know where are the rest of the questions? I would like to view them. (inquiring minds need to know, lol) So, I can add 2Tim 2:23 to the list, lol. I will concur with scriptures listed only with clarification of the HOPE (1peter 3:15) being of the salvation, resurrection of eternal life! & (2Cor 10:3-5) Paul’s defense of the ministry, is concluding no weapons (I’m presuming physical of any kind?? Maybe even verbal??) Quote, “we do not fight=(good vs evil??) rather by…..Quote, “”They have divine power””,Who are they?) certainly not us because Ephes 6:12 tells me that, “”For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.) Our physical being is nothing but shells holding our spiritual being, who are at war, this is why physical death is of no consequence. Our friend Paul also goes on to let us know when we give our life to CHRIST, it is not us who lives anymore, but CHRIST that dwells in us (Gal 2:20) so therefore I would never indulge in any physical war fare (mentally, verbally, physically etc) with anyone on the word of GOD, just share the good news of the blessed hope, amen. In concluding the quoted scripture, I would like to finish the rest of the chapter in question::: 2Tim 2: 24-25 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth. (The rest of Titus 3:9-11 Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned. Amen